Electric sign



May 11, 1943.

F. G. DAVENPORT 2,318,596

ELECTRIC SIGN Filed May 15, 1941 z Sheds-Sheet 1 fie ".1. 2f

5 27 90 F. 7 2 t i 70 73 242 .21 ire/e a .6 INVENTOR.

2 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTOR. flan/ G Dams/2 00f? a Q 0%? K9.

May 11, 1943. F. e. DAVENPORT ELECTRIC SIGN Filed May 15, 1941 Patented May 11, 1943 UfiiT-ED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC SIGN Frank G. Davenport, Chicago, 111., a'ssig'nor to A. C. Davenportand Son, Inc, Chicago, Ill.,'--'a corporation of Illinois Application ll/IaylE, 1941, Serial No. 393,520

2 Claims.

The present invention relates in gcneralto electric signs,,and more in particular to such electric signs as include an illuminated panel adapted for use in displaying words, messages and-the like by means of removable letters or characters.

The object of the invention is to provide "an electric sign of the foregoing character which is adapted for installation in factoriesand other industrial establishments in connection .with safety campaigns initiated and carried on for the general purpose of accident prevention. This is a subject which has received much attention in recent years, and some excellent results as regards reduction in the number and seriousness of accidents have been obtained, but safety campaigns have always been handicapped by the dificulty of sustaining the interest of the employees. Thus a given campaign may produce good results at the start, but due to a lagging interest the employees become careless and the unhealthy condition prevails until interest is revived by a fresh crop of accidents.

In consequence of the foregoing there has long been a demand for some means by which a safety campaign can be made more effective, partic ularly from the standpoint of sustaining the interest of the employees and preventing the-recurrent let-downs with their toll of accidents which have been the rule heretofore. The needfor full'effectiveness of safety measures is especiallygreat at the present time, in view of the large number of inexperienced employees who are being trained in the various industrial occupations.

The present invention isdesigned to meet the requirements outlined above and to provide a sign or display panel which will keep the idea of safety first constantly before the employees with a variety of slogans, messages, and the like which will sustain interest and efiectively-prevent the employees from forgetting the rules promulgated for the purpose of accident prevention.

The invention will be more fully described hereinafter in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a front view of an electric sign constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the same sign;

Fig. 3 is another front view, with certain parts cut away and with the display panel partly withdrawn from the casing;

Fig. 4 is a section on an enlarged scale, taken on the line li4, Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a-section on the line 5-5, Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a view ofthe display panel, in; perspective ;;and v I ;Fig. '7 is a-diagrammatic circuit drawing showing; how the lamps and other circuit elements .are

connected.

Referring to the drawings, =andparticularlyto Fig. 1,it will be, seen thatithe sign comprises a generally upright casing which is closed; in- -front -by.plates or panes of glass 2,,a,lld3. The panes VI and 2 are substantially. square and together occupy: about one-third of the front of the casing. The pane 3 is rectangular and occupies the remaining space beneath the panes l and I The plates or panesl and,2 are preferably made of colored -glass,- pane-I.being colored red,

while pane 2iscolored green. Those'partsofthe panes which lie :outside the circles are ,made opaque by. painting with black paint,.as are. the letters .of the words Safety, and fF-irstZWhich appear within the circles. -Me'ans {is :provided for illuminating the colored panes todisplaythe .words thereon, as-will be described presently.

an opening; that is, the back portion 1 is not extended forward tothefront-of the casing but is folded over as-indicated at .9. The folded edge at9 forms the righthand margin of ,the

opening, which extends vertically from the *bottom of the casing to a point 'just; above theupper edge of the glasspane-3. It will be seen,;-therefore, that. the casing is completely closed. onjt he left hand side, as seen in Fig.; 3,;-forexample,

whereas onthefright hand'side thereis anopening through Whichthe display panel may abe withdrawn. v

-At the front oftheca'sing there are four vertical strips l3 to 16, inclusive, which areeachmade by folding-a metal stri along acentralline parallel to its :edgesto .give the; strip ,"a'substantially "-U-shaped cross-section. 'lfihe fourzstrips are shown clearly in Fig. ;1 and also 1 im the sectional view,:Fig. .5. The edge of; portion. 8 of the back ,ofrthe casing is received. in the folded-metal This panel is-also illuminated so,

strip I3, to which it may be secured by soldering at several points. On the opposite side of the casing the edge of a rectangular sheet II is received in the folded metal strip I6, see Fig. 2, and is soldered to the strip I6 and also to the portion I of the back of the casing. The sheet closes the casing at the right side thereof, except for the opening below, which has previously been referred to.

The vertical strips I3 to I6, inclusive, are rigidly connected together at the top and bottom, respectively, by means of folded metal strips I1 and I8, which are seen in section in Fig. 4. The strips are preferably soldered together at their intersections. There is also a folded metal strip I9, which divides the front of the casing horizontally, and a folded metal strip 20 which divides the upper part of the front of the casing vertically. The strip I9 may be soldered to vertical strips I4 and I5, while strip 20 may be soldered together at their intersections. There is also a folded metal strip I9, which divides the front of the casing horizontally, and a folded metal strip 2|] which divides the upper part of the front of the casing vertically. Th strip I9 may be soldered to vertical strips I4 and I5, while strips 20 may be soldered to the horizontal strips I1 and I9.

The metal strips described in the foregoing may be given a bright finish and form an ornamental frame or framesfor the glass panes I, 2, and 3. In order to add tothe attractiveness of the design; strips 2| and-22 of colored semi-transparent plastic material such as cellulose acetate may be inserted in the guides formed by the two pairs of vertical folded metal strips |3|4 and ||6. Alongside the panes I and 2 the colored strips 2| and 22 are preferably covered by opaque strips 23 and 24, which may be strips of metal inserted in the guides like strips 2| and 22.

The bottom of the casing is closed by a metal sheet 25. The rear edge of this sheet is bent down at right angles and is received in the folded lower edge of the back parts 58. The front edge of the sheet 25 is also bent down at right angles and is soldered to the Verticalstrips |3| 6. Th construction will be clear from Fig. 4. At thetop of the casing there is an ornamental sheet'metal plate 26, which can be seen in Figs. 1 and 4. The lower edge of plate 26 is soldered to the back side of the horizontal strip The top of the casing is closed by the cover-21, which is provided with hinges such as 28.

The opening at the side of the casing, which has previously been mentioned, is normally closed by a sliding door or cover plate I2. At the lower end the plate I2 is received in a guide which is formed in the metal sheet 34. This sheet 30 is soldered to the bottom plate 25, is bent downward at 3|, and is bent upward at 32, whereby a groove or channel is formed between the part 3| and '32, which are properly spaced in accordance with the thickness of the cover'plate I2, as indicated in Fig. 5. There is a similar guide or channel for the upper end of the cover-plate I2, as indicated at 33, Fig. 2. It will be clear that the cover plate may be removed by sliding it to the rear.

The display panel comprises a rectangular frame having top and bottom members 35 and 36 and side members 31 and 38. These parts may be secured together in any suitable manner, as by soldering. There are also a plurality of double channel cross members 39 which extend horizontally between the side members 31 and 38 to which they are secured by soldering. The cross members 33 are H-shaped in cross-section, as seen in Fig. 4. In order to support the cross members at the center a vertical rod 40 is provided, as shown in Fig. 6, and is soldered to the top and bottom members 35 and 36 and to the cross members 39.

The frame is closed by a plurality of strips of white translucent plastic material such as cellulose acetate, indicated at 4|, which are carried on the cross members 39. The strips 4| are slightly wider than the space between two adjacent cross member and consequently they assume a curved formation when they are assembled in position. The strips 4| form a translucent background for the letters which are mounted on the display panel.

The letters may be painted on rectangular sheets of transparent cellulose acetate and preferably are of two sizes. The larger letters such as 42, Figs. 1 and 4, are on sheets which are long enough to bridge two of the spaces between cross-members, while the smaller letters such as 43 are on sheets which are only long enough to bridge one such space. The sheets on which the smaller letters are painted are, in fact, equal in length to the width of the strips 4|, and when one of these letters is mounted it assumes a curved formation in contact with the associated strip 4|, as shown in the case of the letter 43. The sheets on which the larger letters are mounted are nearly twice as long, and since they bridge two spaces between cross members when mounted, they are necessarily curved forward away from the associated strip 4|, as shown in the case of the letter 42. The manner in which the letters are supported on the cross members 39 will be obvious from Fig. 4, and it will not be necessary to describe in detail how they are mounted and removed. Sumce it to say that they can be changed with great facility, which makes it possible to put a fresh message on the panel in a few minutes.

The display panel is removable from the easing, as indicated in Fig. 3, where it is shown as having-been partly withdrawn from the casing through the opening in the side. In order to removably mount the display panel, and also the glass pane 3 in front of it, suitable channels are provided. At the bottom there is a, horizontal strip 50, having one edge bent upward at 52, which is soldered to the bottom plate 25. There is also a folded strip 5 I, of U-shaped cross section, which is soldered to the strip 50 and preferably also to the vertical strips such as I4. The folded strip 5| forms a guide or channel for the lower edge of the glass pane 3, and the strip 5| also cooperates with the upwardly bent edge 52 of strip 5| to form a guide or channel for the bottom of the display panel. At the top there is a strip 53,

corresponding to strip 50 at the bottom, and having a downwardly bent edge 55. There is also a folded strip 54, which is secured to strip I9, as shown, and which may also be soldered to strip 53. The latter supports the forward edge of the horizontal partition 56, to which it is secured by soldering. The folded strip 54 form a channel for the upper edge of the glass pane 3 and cooperates with the down-turned edge 55 of strip 53 to form a channel for the top of the display panel.

It will be seen that the folded strips 5| and 54 are effective to securely retain the glass Dame 3, while at the same time permitting the pane to be partly or wholly withdrawn through the opening at the right. The display panel is likewise se- 'cure'ly retained in the described channels, but

may be withdrawn at will, beingslidably in the channels. When the display panel is replaced after having been withdrawn, it is pushed back Outward movement of the panel is prevented by two L-shaped strips 59 which are secured to the panel frame member 38 and abut against the inside of the cover plate I2 when the latter is in place.

The glass panes i and 2 are retained in suitable vertical channels in which the edges of the panes are received. Thus, as shown in Fig. 5, there are two vertical folded metal strips 6| and E2, of U-shaped cross-section, which are located on opposite sides of the vertical partition 60 and which are secured to the vertical strip 20, as indicated. The parts are preferably further secured by soldering, and the rear edge of the partition 50 may be soldered to the back portion 5 of the casing. It will be seen that the inner edges of the panes l and 2 are securely held in the channels formed by the folded strips 5! and 62. The outer edges are similarly held in vertical folded strips identical with strips 6! and 62 which are soldered to the vertical strips l4 and at the back side thereof.

The display panel is illuminated by a lamp 65, which is received in a socket 6t, mounted on a bracket 6? which is secured to the back of the casing on the inside. A hushed opening is indicated at 68 through which a two-conductor cord passes to the interior of the casing. A switch is indicated at 68.

The colored circular portions of the pane i and 2 are illuminated by means of lamps 1b and 73, respectively. These lamps are received in sockets ii and 72 which are mounted on the vertical partition 60, as shown in Fig. 3. There is also a flashing device M- mounted on this partition.

The circuit connections are shown in Fig. 7. The conductors 15 are conductors of the cord which leaves the casing at the bushed opening 68 and terminates in a plug for connection to a supply outlet. The switch 69 is in series with one conductor 55 and controls the supply of current to all the lamps. Lamp 65 is connected across the line and is illuminated continuously when the switch 69 is in closed position. Lamps H3 and 13 are connected in series and are illuminated alternately under control of the flashing device M, as will be explained. This device comprises a bi-metal strip 11 and a heating winding 78, together with a contact which is closed and opened by bending of the bi-metal strip. The flashing device is connected in parallel with the lamp 7%.

The operation of the improved electric sign will now be described. For this purpose it will be assumed that the sign is hung on the wall by means of the perforated suspension link 80 in the cafeteria of a factory where large numbers of employees congregate during the lunch hour. Other locations may, of course, be selected, but the one mentioned may be considered as typical. It may also be assumed that the requisite letters have been mounted on the display panel in order to form a message which it is desired to convey to the employees, such, for example, as the message shown in Fig. 1. This message, it will be observed, is representative of a variety of messages or slogans which may be used in conducting a safety campaign.

The display panel is, of course, made up when outside of or at least partly withdrawn from the casing. When this work is finished, the display panel is slid back into the casing and the door i2 is replaced in order to close the casing. The panel is thus rendered inaccessible to persons who might be disposed to meddle with it through curiosity or mischief. If desired, a lock may be provided for the door l2, but thi is not usually necessary, fort-he display panel is protected behind the glass pane 3, and the necessity of opening the sideof the casing to gain access to the panel is sufficient to deter the casual observer from attempting to do so, even if the method of gaining such access is perceived. This arrangement thus presents a decided advantage over a fixed display panel which is unprotected in front, as the letters on such unprotected panels are accessible to all, and the temptation to change them is sometimes too great to be resisted.

The cord 75 is plugged in at a convenient outlet, and the switch 59 is thrown to its on position in order to start the operation of the sign. When the current is. turned on, the lamp 65 becomes operative to illuminate the display panel, causing the words of the message to be displayed. Lamp 65 also illuminate th colored strips 2i and 22 at the sides of the display panel. Current is also supplied to the lamps Ill and 73, which are connected in series across the line. Lamp i0 is of higher resistance than lamp 13, a Bil-watt lamp and a Gil-watt lamp may be used, and consequently only lamp it is effectively lighted. The circular portion of the pane lis thus illuminated, displaying the word Safety which appears thereon. The flashing device M is connected in parallel with lamp Iii and, being of high resistance, does not shunt enough current away from the lamp to prevent it from lighting up effectively. The current flow through the heating winding l8 gradually heats up the bimetal strip H, which bends to the right and eventually closes the contact. By this operation the lamp l8 and the winding '18 are short-circuited, whereupon lamp 53 receives the full line voltage and is effectively lighted, lamp Ill bein extinguished. Thus the circular portion of the pane 2 is illuminated and the word First which appears thereon is displayed. When the winding 18 is short-circuited, the heating of the strip ll ceases, and very shortly the strip begins to cool. After cooling a certain amount, the strip straightens out enough to open the contact, whereupon the original circuit conditions are reestablished, lamp 1!! being lighted and lamp 13 being extinguished.

The flasher It continues to operate in the manner described, lighting lamps Hi and 13 alternately, to alternately display the words Safety and First. The rate of operation should be fairly fast, say about 15 or 20 times per minute, which is slow enough to permit the words to be read easily and yet is fast enough to give the impression of action and call attention to the sign.

It will be seen that the words used in the upper portion of the sign are appropriate to a large variety of. messages which may be set up on the display panel and that the flashing operation is effective to attract the attention of all persons in the vicinity of the sign, who are thus compelled to read the current message displayed for their benefit. Thus far better results are secured than were attainable with previously known sign or display apparatus.

The sign may remain in operation as described for as long as desired. It is started and stopped by means of the switch 69, as will be apparent. In case one of the lamps Til or 13 should burn out or lose its efiiciency, access to the upper compartment in which the lamp is located may be had by opening the door 2! in the top of the casing. This door also affords access to the flasher M in case it should require attention. The lamp 65 in the lower part of the casing may be changed by partially removing the display panel and by also partly removing the glass pane 3, which affords access to the lamp from the front of the casing. The panel and pane may be withdrawn from the casing through the opening at the right side thereof, after first removing the cover plate l2, as will be clear from the preceding description.

As an aid to maintaining interest in the safety campaign, it is desirable that the message set up on the display panel be changed frequent- 1y, preferably every day. This can be done easily, in the manner previously described. It may be mentioned also that the display panel can be used for posting occasional notices which have to be brought to the attention of the employees and thus the necessity of providing the usual bulletin board is avoided. The possibility of the appearance of an important notice may be used in this way to increase the interest in the display board and help to insure that the messages carried thereby are readby all concerned.

It will be understood that the improved sign disclosed herein may be used in connection with other kinds of campaigns or promotional activities, the words displayed by the flasher apparatus being selected so as to have special significance withrespect to the messages to be carried by the display panel.

The invention having been described, that which is believed to be new and for which the protection of Letters Patent is desired will be pointed out in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an electric sign, a casing divided into two 7 upper compartments and a lower compartment,

a transparent paneof glass closing the 'front of the lower compartment, a removable display panel located behind said pane and carrying the words of a message, a lamp for illuminating said panel, two glass panes closing the fronts of the two upper compartments and carrying words appropriate to the message on said panel, two lamps located in said two upper compartments, respec tively, circuit means for continuously lighting the lamp in the lower compartment to display said message, and means for lighting the other two lamps alternately to display said words and thereby attract attention to said message.

2. In an electric sign, a casing divided into a plurality of small compartments and a relatively large compartment, a transparent closure for the. 

